This book provides research assistance for 99 current and provocative issues students can use to write a brief argumentative paper.

In 2030, it is projected that 65 percent of the population will be over 65. The U.S. Government Census Bureau reveals that over an adult's working life, college graduates typically earn close to $1 million more than high school graduates. About 43 percent of American families spend more than they earn each year.

These three factoids represent a tiny fraction of the potential research subjects contained in 99 Jumpstarts to Research: Topic Guides for Finding Information on Current Issues, Second Edition, a completely revised follow-up to the original edition. Every jumpstart-each focused upon a current, timely issue-contains ideas for narrowing the topic, research keywords, suggested best books and databases, and Internet sites. This book supports both faculty and students in identifying compelling topics, effectively evaluating and selecting resources in today's information-overload world, and deriving enjoyment from the research and writing process.

Peggy Whitley is dean of educational services at Lone Star College-Kingwood, Houston, TX.

Susan Williams Goodwin is a reference librarian with 30 years of experience in public, technical, school, and academic library settings.

Catherine C. Olson is an English professor at Lone Star College-Tomball, Houston, TX.